DURHAM -- Whether a person is 18 or 80, if they want to further their education, they could be found at a new Catholic continuing education centre in Ajax.

Students, families and staff recently celebrated the official blessing and opening of Archbishop Anthony Meagher Continuing Education Centre at its new Ajax location. The facility, located on Fairall Street, opened its doors to students in September and is one of three Durham Catholic Continuing Education sites.

“I think it was a great success and we really like the fact that we can meet the needs of the community and provide the adults of the Durham Region with an opportunity for them to fulfill their dreams,” said principal Jim Wilson.

The school also offers a wide range of courses, including English As A Second Language, citizenship preparation courses and various others for newcomers and overseas students.

It’s an opportunity for them to upgrade and focus on a goal. Jim Wilson, principal of Archbishop Anthony Meagher Continuing Education Centre

“We like that diversity too because Archbishop Anthony Meagher was big on breaking barriers between different faiths and stuff like that,” said Mr. Wilson.

He said the languages that students speak include English, Spanish, Tamil and Mandarin.

The school offers programs in which certificates can be obtained, including support worker and Microsoft Office Support.

High school credits are offered for adults 18 and older. And adults wishing to refresh their skills can take upgraded programs in writing, spelling, reading, math and keyboarding.

“Also we have a course for special needs students that’s running out of there,” said Mr. Wilson.

The school has supports in place such as career counselling and offers a re-engagement program for students 18 to 20 years of age who may have, for a variety of reasons, left a traditional school setting before they obtained their diploma.

“It’s an opportunity for them to upgrade and focus on a goal,” Mr. Wilson said. “A lot of times it’s sort of their second chance, you know?”

For more information on the Catholic board’s continuing education programs, visit con-ed.ca.